Hi I was diagnosed with stage four nscl two years ago , I haven't been to work sinse , to be honest the whole Cancer thing has fried my head as I'm sure you can imagine , my work is now saying I have to take retirement or they will finish me on I'll health , This has scared me witless and having trouble sleeping , I work in a warehouse who won't allow a union , there saying if I return to work I can do so on phased hours but if I clock in then I'm there to work, it's heavy work and I'm not sure I can do it , I know people will say they have to make reasonable adjustments , but it's a picking loading shift and there's nothing like office work , I really don't know what I can do except go back to work and do my best , I know I'm terminal and want the best for my wife , so I want to leave my pension for her , also if I'm employed when I die she will get four times my salery , I have tried to get advise but it seems I have very little choice , go back or take pension , I'm a grown man aged 54 in tears writing this , I feel why me

7 Replies

Can you get in contact with a Macmillan benefits adviser, they may be able to give you some advice.

If you do decide to take your pension before you do find out if they will offer an enhanced payment due to your illness, and also what benefits would be due to your wife later. This is a complex area and it is best to take advice, maybe citizens advice bureaux could help.

2 years agoHiddenAdministrator

Hi Stevie,

I would agree that you need to seek sound advice as has been suggested. Another organisation to try is ACAS who are an organisation devoted to preventing and resolving employment disputes. You can find out more about them at gov.uk/acas or free phone 0300 123100

Have a look at ill health retirement package I'm 46 and took I'll health retirement last year. I got a lot lump sum out of my death money pot mine being 4 times my salary as well a monthly pension the remainder will be paid to my other half when I die. The pension fund will have specific rules as you are terminally ill its worth giving them a call.

Dont forget Employment Support Allowance and PIP benefits and don't do what I did - I was given a diagnosis of roughly 6 months spent the lump sum enjoying ourselves then finally tested for mutations and turned out positive for ALK had significant shrinkage and doing well 19 months after diagnosis totally skint but happy to be here

Have a look at ill health retirement package I'm 46 and took I'll health retirement last year. I got a lot lump sum out of my death money pot mine being 4 times my salary as well a monthly pension the remainder will be paid to my other half when I die. The pension fund will have specific rules as you are terminally ill its worth giving them a call.

Dont forget Employment Support Allowance and PIP benefits and don't do what I did - I was given a diagnosis of roughly 6 months spent the lump sum enjoying ourselves then finally tested for mutations and turned out positive for ALK had significant shrinkage and doing well 19 months after diagnosis totally skint but happy to be here

Unsure where you live but Christies Hospital in Manchester have a solicitor who attends for weekly sessions in the Mac Millan Office to support people with employment issues. This maybe useful for you or something similIar maybe available locally for you.

Thanks everyone for your replies , I just wish it would all go away , it's like I'm having a nightmare and I will wake up soon , I know you are all suffering too BUT , in my mind that's right , this Cancer thing happens to other people NOT me , and then back to the real world